Ukraine: Plans to evacuate Kherson and Mykolaiv as temperatures drop

The Ukrainian government is considering evacuating regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv that are experiencing power and heating problems as fears of a humanitarian crisis intensify as winter sets in, officials said over the weekend, according to the New York Times.

As Russian shelling of vital infrastructure continues, Ukrainian officials are looking for ways to help citizens get through the winter even as obtaining basic necessities can become a struggle for survival. But in Kherson where Ukrainian forces found a half-ruined town when the Russians withdrew, authorities say that for many residents, the only solution is to leave.

As supplies of running water, heat and electricity are scarce in the newly liberated city, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, Irina Vereshchuk, said that in the coming days the government will begin helping those people who wish to leave. But he stressed that residents will decide for themselves what they want to do.

“For now, we are not talking about a forced evacuation,” he said. “But even in the event of a voluntary evacuation, the state is responsible for transportation. People must be led somewhere to spend the winter.’

Since Russian forces withdrew from Kherson, Ukrainian forces have been trying to assess the humanitarian situation and rebuild vital infrastructure, working continuously to restore basic services.

However, in Mykolayiv, which is about 40 miles northwest of Kherson, the Irina Vereshchuk he said the government would also help residents move away from there. Mkolaiv is a frequent target of Russian missiles, and residents of both towns have asked to be moved to safer areas, he said. Many of the people who live in the area are elderly or disabled.

Zelensky: He promises victory over Russia

At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today marked the annual Day of Dignity and Freedom by referring to the sacrifices made by the Ukrainian people after the Russian invasion and saying that his country will endure and prevail.

In a taped address to the nation, Zelensky praised the contributions of Ukrainians – from soldiers, firefighters and paramedics to teachers who teach online, villagers who cook for soldiers, tailors who sew uniforms and farmers who cultivate their fields despite risks.

He praised their courageous stand despite frequent missile strikes, large-scale destruction, shortages and rolling blackouts as winter sets in, nine months after the Russian invasion.

“We can run out of money, out of gas, out of hot water, out of light. But not without freedom,” Zelensky said in a message delivered from a presidential palace hall in the capital Kyiv.

The Day of Dignity and Freedom commemorates the pro-European protests of 2013/2014, known as the Maidan Square Revolution, and the Orange Revolution of 2004. In both cases, the country’s leadership was overthrown.

Highlighting the courage of Ukrainians, Zelensky’s video included excerpts from the message he delivered on the same anniversary a year ago, when he was wearing a suit and tie. This year, he wore his trademark khaki T-shirt during the war.

“What has changed since then (a year ago)? Many. Our earth is full of craters. There are barricades and anti-tank defense barriers in our towns and villages. Maybe it’s dark on our streets. Maybe it’s cold in our houses,” said Zelensky.

“There are many changes, but the most important thing has not changed. Because the most important thing is not outside but inside. And it remains unchanged. And for this reason we will resist. We will endure.”

He said that in the future Ukrainians will gather in Kyiv’s Independence Square, which was a central point in the events of 2013/14 and 2004, “where we will celebrate the Victory Day of Ukraine. In a peaceful Kyiv, in a peaceful Ukraine.”

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